Kai

Present Day

Before taking this trip, I thought about how much it would affect me and my progress into a new life I tried to lead. How much seeing him would affect everything I worked so hard to forget, in order to live without anything holding me back from my well earned happiness. I didn't expect much but I needed to not be complacent towards everything that had happened, and to hopefully keep my head and heart clear of any inhibitions.

Russell was someone that I knew, and knew all too well. Because we were too much alike to even avoid that fact. I wanted him to see it as well, but that Wish was never granted despite my prayers for answers and comfort. To live in a world where his actions and everything that had to do with him, didn't stop me from living.

'Calum, over here!' I called as I set the two travel bags beside my legs, on the floor of the very large and full airport.

Calum was admittedly always there for me, even over the years when I'd left Boston, to discover myself. He still remained as my Friend and I couldn't be more appreciative of his mature nature. He had offered to pick me up, and I'd accepted his offer since I would be bringing a toddler who barely knew how to walk, and a bubbly 14 year old who found all the Legion superheroes' Posters fascinating.

James constantly asked to go see the new movie but I wasn't the movie type, so I planned to perhaps take him to see it after we get back to Chicago. He asked to be named after a special Superhero, Jax Crimson from the Legion Comics. I thought about it and wondered if it would affect him in any way, but it was what he wanted after all.

'Hi,' Calum greeted me awkwardly with the shyest of smiles and I returned it. 'You haven't aged a day.' He gushed, as he stood before me and I could feel my cheeks burning albeit the chilliness of the air conditioning.

He surprised me by pulling me into a warm hug, that left me mulling over memories of the past that I'd slowly begin to forget over the years. I found myself hugging him back, realizing that even though things were awkward between us all those years ago, we still remained friends and I truly missed him.

'And you've gotten more handsome.' I commented and he smirked, as his cheeks tinted pink which I couldn't judge him by, for mine was the same as soon as he complimented me.

Calum was always handsome once, but more on the boyish side. Now he was a fully grown man, sporting a light brown mustache which gave him an older appearance, but even I had to admit that he was worth naughty dreams that I'd rather keep to myself. His chiseled face became more defined, and his model-like cheekbones were so perfect, they seemed contoured by makeup. His lips still held that dark pink tint, and his green eyes seemed more happy and full of life.

'Well I do try,' he smiled widely, and his eyes fell over the two boys who caught his attention immediately as he laid eyes upon them.

We had kept contact with each other, and he was ecstatic when I told him that I was adopting for he was considering doing so as well. I tried picturing us together many times, because he was an attractive man and his personality was golden.

I of course felt sick to my stomach, thinking of how hard I rejected and pushed him away. If only I'd been more open to explore that part of life with him, then I wouldn't be as lonely as I was opposed about my actions to not feel that way. I led a new life now, being a Father and running a Foster Home which now took up most of my life. But I couldn't help but feel that the void I tried to fill wasn't as complete as I wanted it to be.

'I can't get over how Cute your Sons are.' Calum's eyes rested on Ryu, who gazed up at the man in curiosity.

They hadn't seen him before, but I've sent Calum countless pictures of them which he adored. 'I'm uncle Calum, and you are?' He stuck out a hand towards James, who smiled brightly and politely as he extended his hand to Calum.

'My name is James, but you can start calling me Jax. Nice to meet you Uncle Calum.' I was blushing with pride at how James expressed himself, he was in the drama club at his school. He loved meeting new people and mingling, but prone to being adventuresome. Perhaps too much, but I couldn't blame him for he had taken to being so by himself.

'Like Jax Crimson of the Legion by H.S Henry?!' Claim asked in an excited voice and Jax grinned up at the man proudly.

'How'd you know?!' Jax asked in an equally excited squeal and my eyes widened, as my gaze shot between them both in confusion.

'I'm an old man, but I love the Legion. Been watching and reading the comics since I was in diapers!' Calum exclaimed and Jax smiled widely.

'Shut Up!' Jax bumped Calum's fist and I rolled my eyes, even though I was ecstatic that they were getting along so well.

'They're showing the Legion Apocalypto Reboot in about a Year. Golden Age story from the New Earth I think,' Calum seemed so excited but he soon turned to Ryu, who shied away instantly.

'And you little handsome devil you.' Calum gushed down at Ryu, who began hiding behind me with his little head was peeping from behind my lower left leg.

'Don't act all shy now Ryu, Uncle Calum is my very good Friend,' I reassured Ryu who still seemed a little spooked by the man, but he walked around my leg and leaned against me while gazing up at Calum with interest.

'I have something for you,' Calum spoke to Ryu and I rose an eyebrow, but I was curious as to what he got.

Claim reached behind him and pulled something from his pocket, and revealed it to Ryu who's eyes brightened. It was a tennis ball, with red lines running around its neon green, furry surface. Ryu gazed up at me, as if waiting on my permission to take it and I simply nodded down at him. 'It's ok Giggles,' I assured softly and Ryu slowly took the ball, and smiled up at Calum. I was warmed by the gesture, because Ryu loved playing with all kinds of sporting balls.

'Thank you,' he said in a small voice and Calum ruffled his hair gently.

'You're welcome little man,' Calum smiled and Ryu bounced the back expertly on the ground while catching it.

He made a bad throw, and the ball went rolling away from us and Ryu ran after it. It wasn't far away, but Calum still went after him and hoisted him up, gaining a loud squeaky giggle from the ever so loud Ryu, who had taken a liking to the man instantly. Calum grabbed the ball, and handed it back to an excited Ryu as he walked back to us. I'd somehow forgotten how good he was with Children, but then again I didn't remember much about him since it's been so long since I've seen him physically.

'What has Daddy been feeding you?' Calum asked and Ryu giggled up at the man, with bright beady eyes.

'Appersauce!' Ryu shouted, and I blushed as Calum looked at me, with a sudden interest that sent back memories of him, rushing through my brain yet again.

'Which he spills half of by the time he's smeared a quarter on his face,' James spoke rolling his eyes and I shook my head.

'I don't blame you Kid, applesauce is nasty.' Calum scrunched up his nose and I rolled my eyes, mock glaring at the man.

'You ain't never lied,' Jax remarked chuckling loudly and I gave him the look and his shoulders slumped as his face straightened immediately.

'You guys ready to hit the road? Don't want Daddy to miss his Grand Entrance.' He spoke, grabbing the biggest suitcase from beside me expertly while still holding on to Ryu, who seemed very comfortable in the Man's strong arms.

'James?' I called noticing that the car seat wasn't in his hands anymore, which begun to make me panic.

'Yes?' He gazed up at me, and I narrowed my eyes as he didn't seem to realize it yet.

'Where is Ryu's car seat? I asked and his eyes widened.

'It's right-, Crap,' he whisper shouted and I glared at him, but Calum chuckled under his breath beside me and I decided not to chew him out about it.

'Language,' I warned and he turned around, hurrying off.

'Yeah, sorry Dad! I'll be right back.' He shouted back at me and I shook my head, chuckling as I watched him run off.

'Watch Ryu and the bags, please.' I turned to Calum who smiled at me.

'I got it, go on,' he ordered gently and I shot him a warm smile.

We had stopped at a small Pizza Stall within the airport, to grab a quick bite and James must have left the Car Seat there. Luckily it wasn't too far, so I followed behind him to make sure he didn't get lost. Though I didn't expect him to, and I had a thing about protecting my boys.

It made me think of Russell, and the whole situation with Chibald which could have been much worse. I still couldn't stop thinking about him, no matter how hard I tried to do so. And I dreaded having to deal with that the whole weekend, when things were certain to get more complicated for all of us.

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